The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight. – Proverbs 9:10

What does it mean to fear God? What does it take to fear God? Fear is a natural and, in its purpose, beneficent feeling, arising in the presence or anticipation of danger, and moving to its avoidance. Oxford dictionary describes fear as an unpleasant emotion caused by the threat of danger, pain, or harm. These two explanations clearly do not capture the full essence of the word in relation to the Bible. Scripture describes a God-fearing person as one who has a deep respect for God and gives Him reverence.

The fear of God pushes us to obey God’s word above anything and serve in complete humility. Fear of God lies at the heart of successful living in the world. Wisdom literature makes it clear that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, a fear equated with the “knowledge of the Holy One.” To fear God is to know him and to know him is to fear him.

When King Solomon says “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,” what he implies is that your fear and reverence for God will cause you to live like the wise, out of reverence for God you would not want to walk, stand or sit in the way of sinners. Your reverence for God will push you to life a Holy life that will ultimately bring glory to God. Today, I pray that may the fear of the Lord push us to do what is right in His eyes always. Amen.